Exploring the Impact of Neck Muscle Vibration on Visual search in an ecological environment: Insights from a Museum Study: a brief report.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52057/erj.v5i1.77Keywords:
Neck Muscle Vibration , Visual search , Museum , postural activityAbstract
Background: Ecological research provides authentic insights into behavior and sensory integration. Neck muscle vibration (NMV) influences proprioception and gaze control, yet its effects in natural settings remain underexplored.
Objectives: This study assessed the impact of NMV on visual search and postural activity in a museum setting while addressing methodological challenges of ecological research.
Methods: Seventeen older adults (66–79 years) participated in visual search tasks on three large paintings at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Eye-tracking technology and lumbar accelerometer recorded gaze and postural activity under three conditions: no vibration, left NMV, and right NMV. Gaze shifts were analyzed through heatmaps and confidence intervals of gaze extremities. Postural data were compared using non-parametric tests.
Results: NMV induced small, nonspecific gaze shifts (2.8°–2.9°) beyond control conditions, with behaviors varying between ipsilateral and contralateral shifts. Postural activity showed no significant differences during static tasks but revealed task-dependent changes during visual search for certain paintings. Inter-painting variability and participant-specific visual strategies complicated comparisons.
Discussion: The ecological setting modulated NMV effects on gaze, highlighting individual differences in sensory integration. Results diverged from laboratory studies, where conditions are more controlled. Methodological challenges included variability in gaze patterns and confounding factors like arm movements. Future research should incorporate virtual simulations and standardized stimuli to refine ecological methodologies and reduce variability.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Karim Jamal, Noémie C Duclos, Youssef EL KHAMLICHI, Isabelle Bonan, Cyril Duclos, Frédérique Poncet
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